Fine Tune Suspension And Shocks Guide and How To

Here is a decision chart that will help you fine tune suspension setups. We avoid spring rates because this is usually dependent on the valving on your suspension. We assume you aren’t super lowered and riding on bump stops. You must maintain correct ride height designed for your suspension system to maintain optimal ride geometry.

Step 1 – Fine Tune Suspension with Rebound Tuning:

First you will have to open all valves open to softest setting and then begin your testing.

Symptom

Front Rebound

Rear Rebound

Understeer at turn-in

Soften

-

Oversteer at turn-in

-

Soften

Understeer at exit

Stiffen

-

Oversteer at exit

Stiffen

-

Step 2 – Tire Pressure Tuning:

30-33 PSI for track days. Monitor the PSI as they start to rise from the heat. Adjust accordingly

36-38 PSI for normal driving to conserve tire wear.

Symptom

Front Tire Pressure

Rear Tire Pressure

Inner Wear Only

Decrease

Decrease

Overcooked Tires

Increase

Increase

Step 3 – Camber Tuning:

Symptom

Front Camber

Rear Camber

Understeer at turn-in

Increase

-

Oversteer at turn-in

Decrease

Increase

Understeer at exit

Increase

-

Oversteer at exit

Decrease

Increase

Step 4 – Swaybar Tuning:

Symptom

Front Sway

Rear Sway

Understeer at turn-in

Soften

-

Oversteer at turn-in

Stiffen

Soften

Understeer at exit

Soften

Stiffen

Oversteer at exit

-

Remove

Step 5 – Compression Tuning:

Symptom

Front Compression

Rear Compression

Skipping over bumps

-

Decrease

Power skidding on exit

-

Increase

Porpoise during braking

Increase

-

Step 6 – Bushing Tuning:

Spherical/Solid Bushings will articulate better under bind than Poly.

Sway links must be installed pre-loaded, meaning weight of the car on the front suspension. Both sway links should bolt into the sway bar without any force. Otherwise, you will encounter a steering wheel that is easier to turn in one direction than the other since one side will be preloaded incorrectly. If you lower your car you will need adjustable sway links to achieve this optimal pre-load neutrality.